Josh Robertson: Naval Air Technical Training Center rewarding, strict, and ... on the right path

When Joshua Robertson told his father that he wanted to join the military, Jim Robertson was encouraging.

The elder Robertson had served 31 years in the Coast Guard and was the commanding officer for the Coast Station at Lake Worth Inlet, so he knew firsthand what military life would be like.

“Josh is athletic, and he has the common sense and drive to make it in the military,” he said. “When he puts his mind to something, he finishes well.”

Josh, 19, graduated from Port St. Lucie High School and lived in Jupiter until 2011. He enlisted in June 2012 and entered boot camp ... with some advice from his dad.

“I told him, ‘Don’t expect anything and do the best job you possibly can. Just take it day by day,’” Jim Robertson said.

Josh made it through and is stationed at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola where he is studying Aviation Ordnance (stowing and maintaining aircraft weaponry).

In a recent phone interview, Josh said the experience has been rewarding but difficult, both academically and physically. He’s up and moving at 5 a.m. most days, and spends hours either studying to maintain 85 percent average or cleaning the barracks.

He didn’t expect the school to be so “strict.” And yes, he knows how that sounds.

“I know it’s the military, but I expected it to be a little more laid-back than boot camp,” he said. “You definitely can’t be lazy or fall behind in your work because they will catch you.”

Barracks must be clean, or “on point” at all times, and students are subject to random room inspections at any time. If Robertson’s is deemed “unsatisfactory,” his privileges are revoked.

Robertson said his motivation to excel comes from his desire to put his past in the past. Things were tough for a while after his parents split up; and although he was skilled at sports in school, he struggled to make decent grades.

“I look back at all that negative stuff, and I just don’t want to go back to that,” he said. “I just want to keep moving forward.”

HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS

His ever-expanding circle of friends is helping him do just that.

Around 4,000 students are currently studying at the Center, and Josh meets new people “every single day.” He usually spends time off base at the mall or on base watching movies, bowling or shooting pool.

“I’ve made some good friends who are leading me in the right direction,” he said. “It’s nice to hang around people who are actually doing something with their lives.”

The difference in Josh was immediately apparent to his father at his graduation from boot camp.

“He left a young man and came back a man,” he said. “His attitude and maturity had definitely changed.”

Josh has talked with seasoned servicemen and has set a goal to “make rank,” retire after 20 years and then make use of the G.I. Bill.